About Our Upper Elementary Curriculum (Ages 9-12)

In an exciting research style of learning, elementary children work in small groups on a variety of projects which spark the imagination and engage the intellect. Lessons given by trained Montessori teachers direct the children toward activities which help them to develop reasoning abilities and life skills. The appetite of children, at this age, to understand the universe and their place in it, directs the elementary work toward all aspects of culture.

Elementary studies include geography, biology, history, language, mathematics in all its branches, science, music and art. Exploration of each area is encouraged through trips outside the classroom to community resources, such as a library, planetarium, botanical garden, science center, factory or hospital. This inclusive approach to education fosters a feeling of connectedness to all humanity, and encourages their natural desire to make contributions to the world.

Sparking Imagination for Elementary Students

We feel privileged, at CASA Montessori, to provide your child with opportunities which speak to the vastness of his developing mind and to his new-found keen interest in social interaction. Between the ages of 6-12, your child is now captivated with stories and is asking extensive questions about "why" and "how". Maria Montessori observed that hearing stories always caught this child's attention and interest. At the beginning of each school year our Elementary teachers spark the child's imagination with Five Great Lessons, in story format, to introduce the historical beginnings of a subject area and span through time to present day. The child is inspired by those who came before us and to find out "more" about something capturing his interest.

With delight, at Casa, we offer Montessori's curriculum of "Cosmic Education."
You might ask how could the word "cosmic" be applied to education?
Dr. Montessori deemed her elementary curriculum "Cosmic Education" because subject areas are integrated and overlap. History, as seen through the study of the Needs of Man from early times to present, is really the main vehicle that enables the child to see the "web" of life with its connections and relationships. The child seeing this interrelatedness is excited about learning. He speculates about what his contribution and purpose will be within this "web" of school community and beyond.

"The secret of good teaching is to regard the child's intelligence as a fertile field in which seeds may be sown, to grow under the heat of flaming imagination." - Maria Montessori